2008 DODGE CALIBER tow

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, set mode
to the mix or defrost position. Direct the panel outlets
toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate without
A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.
If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass
NOTE:In cold weather, the use of the recircu-
late position will cause windows to fog on the
inside because of moisture build up inside the
vehicle. Moisture and ice can also accumulate
on the inside of the sheet metal and may result inheadliner and/or electronic component damage. For
maximum defogging, press the recirculation button until
recirculate is off.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.
Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227
4

▫Replacement Tires.....................269
▫Alignment And Balance.................270

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) — If
Equipped............................271
▫Base System — If Equipped..............273
▫Premium System — If Equipped..........275
▫General Information...................279

Tire Chains...........................279

Snow Tires...........................279

Tire Rotation Recommendations............280

Fuel Requirements......................281
▫Gasoline Engines.....................281
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................281▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............282
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................282
▫Materials Added To Fuel................283
▫Fuel System Cautions..................283
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............284

Adding Fuel..........................284
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............284
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............286

Vehicle Loading........................287
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......287

TrailerTowing .........................287
▫Common Towing Definitions.............287
▫Installing A Trailer Hitch................290
STARTING AND OPERATING 231
5

▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............290
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................291
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............291
▫Towing Requirements..................293▫TowingTips .........................298

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 299
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................299
232 STARTING AND OPERATING

start within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
normal starting procedure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See Section 6
of this manual for jump-starting instructions.
Extremely Cold Weather (Below
20°F Or
29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there. Crank the engine for no more than 15 seconds. This
should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
Leave the ignition key in the ON position, release the
accelerator pedal and repeat the “Normal Starting” pro-
cedure.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

REVERSE
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NEUTRAL
The engine may be started in this range.
DRIVE
This should be used for most driving and provides the
best ratio for optimum drivability, fuel economy, and
performance.
LOW
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, the trans-
axle will ratio up only to prevent transaxle damage or
engine over speed while ratio down will occur as early as
possible
AUTOSTICK— IF EQUIPPED
Autostickis a driver-interactive transmission that offers
six manual ratio changes to provide you with more
control. Autostickallows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations. Automatic
ratio changes upward will only occur to protect the
Continuously Variable Automatic Transaxle (CVT)
and/or the engine from overspeed. Changes down will
only happen at minimum engine speed to prevent stall-
ing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 239
5

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also, place the shift lever in the PARK position
(automatic transmission) or REVERSE position (manual
transmission). To release the parking brake, apply the
brake pedal, pull up slightly on the lever, then depress
the button on the end of the lever and push the lever fully
down toward the floor.
NOTE:The parking brake lever will not release unless
the lever is pulled up slightly past its applied position.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise,
the load on the automatic transmission locking mecha-
nism may make it difficult to move the shift lever out of
Parking Brake Lever
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
5

PARK. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels
toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the
curb on a uphill grade.
You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How-
ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system oper-
ating.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING